Accuracy of Proverbs

o Example: “Don’t judge a book by its cover” or “Beauty is a good letter of

introduction”? In other words, what can one conclude based on appearance

alone?

o Example: “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” or “Out of sight, out of

mind”? In other words, do long distances or extended amounts of time

strengthen relationship ties, or weaken them?

o Example: “Birds of a feather flock together” or “Opposites attract”? In other

words, are people attracted to similar or dissimilar others?

• Impact of Titles/Labels

o Example: How do team mascots (such as the Redskins or Braves) impact Native

Americans (self-esteem, stereotype threat, etc.)?

o Example: How do labels (such as smart/stupid, crazy or criminal, etc.) impact

people’s mental processes and behaviors?

• Altruism

o Example: Does true altruism exist? What motivates people to help?

• Explanatory Style

o Example: Do optimists experience better life outcomes than pessimists?

• Persuasive Appeals

o Example: How do political campaigns utilize various techniques?

• Self-esteem

o Example: Is there a dark side? Can one be too confident?

• School Size

o Example: Do students fare better in big schools or small schools? Why?

• Reactance

o Example: What is the theory behind “reverse psychology”?

• Gender Differences

o Example: in aggression, sex, etc.

• A Form of Prejudice

o Example: fat prejudice, racial prejudice, etc.

• Psychology and the Law

o Example: jury behavior, etc.

• Other: If you have something else in mind, contact your instructor as soon as possible to

ensure the topic is appropriate and to seek additional direction.